Town Square

Do you remember the young girl killed on Channing?

Several years ago a young girl was killed on Channing at De Soto. She was riding her bike the wrong direction in the Channing bike lane and a car pulled out from De Soto and hit her.

I have almost done this myself. When a driver is turning right, he/she is looking left to see the oncoming traffic he/she is turning into and might well not see a bicylist coming from the right on the wrong side of the road.

Every time I see a child, well anybody really, on a bike riding the wrong way I want to stop and tell them this story, but I don't. Parents, I hope you do tell your children. Policemen/women - please stop these people and tell them how dangerous it is. I actually think it is the most dangerous thing I see people doing around town.

Posted by Boris Foelsch
a resident of Palo Verde
on Jun 12, 2006 at 10:52 am

I completely agree. The sidewalk is not inherently a safer place to be. It's more important to be seen. As a bike commuter, I believe that the biggest danger we face on bicycles is cars crossing our path when entering or exiting a lane of traffic. Usually, the problem occurs because the driver is unaware of the cyclist.

I try to teach my children to be visible and predictable. That means going in the expected direction and hopefully using the bike lane. They are more comfortable on the sidewalk, and I allow that, but I insist on the direction.

Posted by ARF
a resident of Palo Alto Orchards
on Jun 21, 2006 at 1:33 pm

My feeling is this equals blaming the victim.

I need to cross Arastradero to get to bike to work. By the fire-station would be best, but there is no crosswalk, and cars do not travel at the speed limit. I can go up one block, against traffic, to cross with a traffic light or get off my bike and walk it across the street, for 3 reasons this works. First cars see a person Walking a bike and slow to the speed limit. Second a bike starting from a complete stop has terrible acceleration. And finally too many drivers do not slow down for a bike rider. Can they not see a large adult with a bicycle?

This girl may have been hit by the car whether or not on her bike too. I do not know the details. But sometime I get the feeling that there are a number of drivers who want anyone else on the road.

Please see: "You nearly killed me on Jun 16, 2006 at 2:54 pm."

I have been nearly hit too, both with and without my bike.

Please: Do not drive and talk on the phone at the same time. Following the traffic laws would go a long way to make it safer for bicycle riders and pedestrians alike.

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